Pirates looking to 'spread out' opposing teams

BLUFFTON - Last year, Bluffton quarterback Tyler Neal did not have to worry about being the center of attention.

The Pirates had speedster Jesse Herr coming out of the backfield, rushing for nearly 700 yards. They also had Kory Place hauling in passes to help keep the secondary honest.

However, those two standouts have graduated.

Bluffton has 11 starters returning from last year's 4-6 squad. Heading the list of returners is Neal, along with wide receiver/defensive back junior Zach Devier (5-8, 165).

In 2008, Neal (5-foot-7, 145 pounds) completed 62 of 117 pass attempts for 631 yards and seven touchdowns, while Devier (5-9, 156) hauled in 19 catches for 115 yards. Neal will also play in the secondary.

Neal said the loss of Herr and Place will more than likely place a little more pressure on his shoulders this season.

"Obviously, we lost some key players from last year," Neal said. "Kory was a monster. Jesse (Herr) ... he made plays. They took the focus off of me a little bit.

"We also lost some guys up front. It will take awhile ... but we should be OK."

Offensively, the Pirates will attempt to work from the shotgun virtually every down this season. According to Neal, this will give him some extra time to scan the field and weigh his options.

"(The offense) is basically a spread offense," Neal said. "It will allow me to option more ... and (it will) get us out on the corners more. Last year, we didn't always work from the shotgun. This year, we will."

Lee said the success of this year's offensive unit will depend heavily on team speed.

"Tyler (Neal) has a lot of experience back there," Lee said. "We're going to be able to option more this year. (The spread offense) will also allow our line to use its speed too."

At the running back spots, look for senior Chad Dulle (6-2, 190), juniors Clay Atkins (5-9, 170) and Tyler Rayl (5-7, 165) to carry most of the load.

Lee said his offensive line will need some time to mature.

"If (opposing defenses) are going to put pressure on us, then we will have to be able to stop it better," Lee said.

On defense, Devier was the second-leading tackler on last year's squad. Devier made 55 tackles from his defensive back position.

Atkins, at a linebacker spot, was third on the team in 2007 with 53 stops.

The Northwest Conference, according to Lee, will be very competitive. He said it is difficult to pick a dominant team in the league.

"Obviously, (Delphos) Jefferson has a lot of players back," Lee said. "LCC does too. Columbus Grove has some players back. (The NWC) is going to be very balanced."

Bluffton

Coach: Dennis Lee

Years, record at school: 22nd year, 149-72

2007 record: 4-6 overall

Returning letterwinners: 12

Returning starters: 11

Promising newcomer: Tyler Breidenbach

Outlook: The Pirates look to utilize its team speed in order to be competitive this season in what looks to be a very competitive Northwest Conference.

Aug. 22          at Cory-Rawson

Aug. 29          CAREY

Sept. 5           DELPHOS JEFFERSON

Sept. 12         at Crestview

Sept. 19         ADA

Sept. 26         at Allen East

Oct. 3             SPENCERVILLE

Oct. 11           at Lima Central Catholic

Oct. 17           PAULDING

Oct. 24           COLUMBUS GROVE

PLAYER TO WATCH: Senior quarterback Tyler Neal will try to keep opposing defenses off guard with Bluffton's spread offense. Last season, Neal threw for 631 yards and seven touchdowns.